• Survival Analysis of Airlines

  • Given the high failure rate (53%), you could conduct a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to examine the lifespan of airlines in Nigeria.
  • Variables needed: Year of establishment, year of closure (if applicable), and operational status (active/inactive).

• Regression Analysis on Airfare Reduction & Passenger Growth

  • A linear regression could assess the relationship between airfare reductions (independent variable) and passenger traffic growth (dependent variable).
  • Hypothesis: Lower fares significantly increase passenger numbers.
  • Data needed: Yearly airfare prices and corresponding passenger traffic.

• ANOVA for Flight Delays & Economic Losses

  • One-way ANOVA could determine if there are significant differences in flight delay times across different airlines.
  • Dependent variable: Average flight delay time per airline.
  • Independent variable: Airline group (e.g., domestic vs. international, low-cost vs. full-service).

• Correlation Between Airline Failures & Economic Factors

  • A Pearson correlation could test whether factors like fuel costs, GDP growth, or currency exchange rates are linked to airline failures.
  • Data needed: Historical airline failures, aviation fuel prices, and macroeconomic indicators.

IMPACT OF VISIBILITY LIMITING WEATHER ELEMENTS ON FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA AIRPORTS

INTRODUCTION

As social beings, humans constantly require resources and encounter limitations in accessing them. Transportation serves as a crucial means to overcome spatial constraints in fulfilling these needs. Fortunately, it provides an effective solution (Taaffe, Morrill, & Gould, 1985). Transportation is an essential activity, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and information across locations. Historically, societies have regarded it as a fundamental pillar of development (Rodrigue & Claude, 2013). Without transportation, human activities would be severely restricted. Its core purpose is to enable the transfer of passengers, cargo, or data from one location to another while simultaneously adding value to them (Rodrigue & Claude, 2013). In essence, transportation is not an end in itself but a means to serve broader economic and social functions (Taaffe, Morrill, & Gould, 1985).

Rodrigue (2017) defines transportability as the ease with which passengers, freight, or information can move between locations. This is influenced by transportation costs and the characteristics of the goods being transported, such as fragility, perishability, and value. Additionally, legal restrictions, tariffs, and border regulations also impact transportability. When transportability is high, distance becomes less of a barrier (Harrington, 1999). Without transportation, the development of nations, regions, and global economies would face significant challenges, as it plays a crucial role in physical and economic growth (Oyesiku, 2002).

Industries that rely on rapid delivery, such as those dealing with perishable goods like fish, tomatoes, and vegetables, depend on efficient transportation networks. It also facilitates market expansion by enabling the distribution of goods to new locations, fostering economic growth. The advancement of transportation technology has enhanced time utility, ensuring the swift movement of products.

Currently, transportation is categorized into three main types: land (road and rail), water, and air transport (Rodrigue & Claude, 2013). Road transport involves the movement of goods and people over highways and streets. It requires less capital investment compared to rail or air transport (Rodrigue & Claude, 2013). Additionally, road transport offers door-to-door services and is ideal for short-distance travel due to its flexibility. However, it may not be suitable for long distances or bulk cargo due to irregularities, potential breakdowns, and lack of a structured organization, making it less reliable.

Rail transport, on the other hand, utilizes wheeled carriages on rail tracks for the movement of people and goods. It plays a pivotal role in international trade and economic growth (Truu, n.d.). Compared to road transport, railways are faster and less affected by adverse weather conditions such as rain and fog. Rail transport is cost-effective, reliable, and provides protection against environmental elements like sun, wind, and dust, making it ideal for heavy and bulky goods (Taaffe, Morrill, & Gould, 1985). However, government monopoly and the lack of door-to-door service remain significant drawbacks.

Water transport involves moving people and goods across seas, rivers, and other water bodies. Primarily used for non-perishable cargo, it serves commercial, recreational, and military purposes (Black, 2003). Its key advantages include the ability to transport large and heavy goods at a relatively low cost since water bodies exist naturally and require minimal infrastructure investment. However, its slow speed makes it less suitable for time-sensitive transportation. Moreover, changing river courses can lead to delays and rerouting, making it less favorable for small businesses (Kaukiainen, 2012).

Air transport is the fastest mode of transportation (Black, 2003). It is particularly advantageous for long-distance travel due to its speed and convenience. Other benefits include its strategic significance, independence from geographical barriers such as mountains and rivers, and its use in agricultural applications, including aerial pesticide spraying. It is also vital for emergency response during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes (Zubova & Moshtagh, 2018). However, air transport is costly, vulnerable to risks such as hijacking and accidents, and heavily dependent on weather conditions. This study focuses on how adverse weather conditions affecting visibility impact flight operations.

According to Grant (2007), the history of aviation spans over 200 years, dating back to the Montgolfier brothers’ hot-air balloon. Among all transport modes, aviation was the first to strive for complete all-weather functionality (Sasse & Hauf, 2003). Given its reliance on clear atmospheric conditions, visibility plays a critical role in aviation and should not be underestimated. Nevertheless, commercial air travel remains one of the safest transportation options due to the industry’s swift response to accidents and continuous safety improvements (Herrera & Vasigh, 2009).

Since aviation is conducted in an open environment, weather significantly impacts flight operations (Sasse & Hauf, 2003). Weather conditions affect not only the safety but also the overall efficiency of airline operations. Various airport activities, such as aircraft fueling, maintenance, baggage handling, and catering, depend on favorable weather conditions (Markovic, Hauf, Röhner, & Spehr, 2008). Adverse weather can reduce airport operational capacity, leading to flight delays, diversions, or cancellations (Sasse & Hauf, 2003).

Aircraft operate within the Earth’s atmosphere, which extends approximately 100 km above mean sea level (MSL). The atmosphere comprises gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and trace elements like ozone and water vapor (Aremu, 2020). Several atmospheric factors, including temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, and cloud cover, influence flight visibility (Oliver, 1997). Weather-related disruptions in aviation include thunderstorms, haze, precipitation, and strong winds. According to Kulesa, Brodus, Jackson, & Pelton (2013), weather accounts for approximately 70% of all flight delays and 23% of aviation accidents. Notably, the same weather phenomenon may impact flights differently depending on the time and location of operation, meaning that one flight may be affected while another, taking off just minutes later, remains unaffected.

Regardless of the transportation mode—land, water, or air—visibility remains a crucial factor. Hughes (1982) identifies visibility as the most significant weather parameter influencing aviation operations. Visibility, in general terms, refers to the ability to clearly perceive an object from a given distance. When visibility is reduced, the classification is as follows:

1. Haze – visibility exceeding one kilometer.
2. Thick mist – visibility around one kilometer.
3. Fog – visibility of less than one kilometer.

Aremu (2020) defines visibility as the clarity of the atmosphere, which determines how far an object can be seen without obstruction. Visibility varies based on factors such as the observer’s height, the presence of airborne particles, and the time of day. The Glossary of Meteorology (2009) describes visibility as the distance at which an object can be distinctly observed. This measurement is crucial in surface meteorological observations and Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METAR), where it is recorded in meters. Meteorological visibility indicates air transparency, and in aeronautical terms, it refers to the maximum distance at which a black object of defined dimensions can be seen against a bright background (Seinfeld, Pandis, & Spyros, 2006). Additionally, visibility is measured by the optimal distance at which a light source of 1000 candelas can be identified against a dark background (Seinfeld et al., 2006).

Runway Excursion: Causes and Prevention

A runway excursion is a critical aviation safety incident where an aircraft veers off or overruns the runway surface during takeoff or landing. This type of incident can lead to significant damage to the aircraft, injuries to passengers and crew, and, in severe cases, fatalities. Runway excursions are among the most common types of aviation accidents and are a major focus of safety programs worldwide.

What is a Runway Excursion?

A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft departs the runway surface, either laterally (sideways) or longitudinally (overrunning the end of the runway). These incidents can happen during:

• Takeoff: When the aircraft fails to become airborne or aborts the takeoff and overruns the runway.
• Landing: When the aircraft touches down but is unable to stop within the available runway length.

Runway excursions are categorized into two types:

1. Overrun: The aircraft exits the runway beyond the threshold, typically at the end of the runway.
2. Veer-off: The aircraft exits the runway laterally, either to the left or right side.

Causes of Runway Excursions

Runway excursions are often the result of a combination of factors, including environmental conditions, operational errors, and technical issues. The primary causes include:

1. Weather Conditions:
   • Wet or Contaminated Runways: Water, snow, ice, or slush on the runway can reduce braking effectiveness and cause hydroplaning, making it difficult for the aircraft to stop.
   • Crosswinds: Strong or gusty crosswinds can make it challenging for pilots to maintain directional control during takeoff or landing.
   • Poor Visibility: Fog, rain, or low visibility can impair the pilot’s ability to judge distances and align the aircraft correctly.
2. Pilot Error:
   • Misjudgment of Landing Speed or Distance: Pilots may misjudge the approach speed or touchdown point, leading to a long landing and insufficient runway remaining to stop.
   • Delayed Go-Around Decision: Failing to execute a timely go-around when conditions are unsafe can result in a runway overrun.
   • Improper Use of Brakes or Thrust Reversers: Inefficient use of braking systems or thrust reversers can reduce deceleration effectiveness.
3. Technical Malfunctions:
   • Brake Failure: Malfunctioning brakes or anti-skid systems can prevent the aircraft from decelerating properly.
   • Tire Blowouts: A blown tire during landing or takeoff can cause loss of control and lead to a veer-off.
   • Engine Failure: Engine issues during takeoff or landing can reduce the aircraft’s ability to accelerate or decelerate as needed.
4. Runway Conditions:
   • Short Runways: Airports with shorter runways may not provide sufficient stopping distance, especially for larger aircraft.
   • Runway Surface Defects: Cracks, potholes, or uneven surfaces can affect braking performance and directional control.
5. Operational Factors:
   • Overloaded Aircraft: Exceeding the aircraft’s maximum weight limits can increase the required takeoff or landing distance.
   • Incorrect Configuration: Failure to properly configure the aircraft (e.g., flaps, slats, or spoilers) for landing or takeoff can impact performance.

Preventing Runway Excursions

To mitigate the risk of runway excursions, the aviation industry has implemented several safety measures:

• Runway Safety Areas (RSAs): These are cleared and graded areas at the end of runways designed to reduce damage in the event of an overrun.
• Improved Runway Surfaces: Regular maintenance and grooving of runways to enhance drainage and reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
• Pilot Training: Enhanced training programs focus on crosswind techniques, go-around procedures, and landing performance calculations.
• Advanced Technology: Systems like Runway Overrun Prevention (ROP) and Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems (EGPWS) provide pilots with real-time alerts and guidance.
• Weather Monitoring: Accurate and timely weather information helps pilots and air traffic controllers make informed decisions.

Background of the Study

Air cargo operations are basically the key means of facilitating international trade, economic growth, and global connection. The air cargo industry in Nigeria, therefore, constitutes an important aspect of the entire logistics and transportation sector that caters for the need for the movement of goods into both domestic and international markets.

The strategic geographic location of the country in Africa, coupled with an increase in population and demand for imported and exported goods, underpins the importance of air cargo in the economic development of Nigeria. Major sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals, rely heavily on effective air cargo services to deliver goods and services on time. The cargo industry in Nigeria, despite the important role it plays, faces quite a number of challenges. Inadequate infrastructure, policy inconsistencies, security concerns, high operational costs, and lack of access to modern technology have contributed to these challenges. The global trends in e-commerce, just-in-time manufacturing, and international trade agreements have put pressure for the modernization of this industry.

Understanding the dynamics of air cargo operations in Nigeria will help in the identification of strategies that could be used to surmount these challenges and maximize the available opportunities for growth and sustainability.

Problem Statement

Despite its vital role in economic development, the air cargo industry is yet to be fully explored in Nigeria. The industry has been perpetually tormented by dilapidated airport infrastructure, poor and weak regulatory frameworks, inadequate security, and high logistic costs. Corruption, delays at customs, and poor collaboration among stakeholders aggravate these challenges further, therefore missing out on opportunities within regional and global markets. This is driven by e-commerce, agriculture export initiatives, and global trade. These complications do require immediate attention. Generally, inability to conduct an in-depth analysis of certain challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s air cargo sector is a major limitation to devising effective implementation strategies by policy, stakeholders, and industry players. It is in filling this gap that this study tries to critically analyze air cargo operations in Nigeria, highlighting the key challenges and exploring potential opportunities for improvement.

Research Questions

This study will be guided by the following research questions:

1. What are the key challenges facing air cargo operations in Nigeria?
2. What opportunities exist for the growth and development of the air cargo sector in Nigeria?
3. How do regulatory frameworks and policies impact the efficiency of air cargo operations in Nigeria?
4. What strategies can be implemented to enhance the performance of the air cargo industry in Nigeria?

Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to analyze the current state of air cargo operations in Nigeria, identify the challenges hindering its growth, and explore the opportunities for its development. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To identify the major challenges affecting air cargo operations in Nigeria.
2. To examine the opportunities available for enhancing air cargo operations in Nigeria.
3. To assess the impact of regulatory frameworks and policies on air cargo efficiency.
4. To recommend strategies for overcoming the challenges and maximizing the opportunities in Nigeria’s air cargo industry.

Information Management is utilized at numerous levels in the aviation industry. One of them is the management of security details. Information Management department is in charge of managing and distributing all data collected during the airport’s different security procedures. This begins at the airport checkpoints, when passengers are subjected to a computerized search for weapons and drugs. Security in the passage loungers is also managed by a system.

A security pass is given to airport employees, allowing them access to restricted areas. All of the passes at the airports are managed by a Information Management. In the case of an emergency, management information systems (INFORMATION MANAGEMENT) are also used. When a plane has navigational problems, the systems are used to help the pilot steer, control, and land the plane safely.

Air traffic controllers and the Information Management are in responsibility of looking for and rescuing individuals in the case of an accident. Other planes are kept out of the path by the information systems so that a ship in distress may land.

Finally, Information Management is employed in the sector to help with employee training. Teachers may utilize guides in information systems to help them throughout training. New personnel must be trained in order to use the systems. Pilots are taught in part in a simulator that simulates real-world scenarios using information technology.

IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS ON THE EFFICIENT SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE ORGANIZATION A STUDY OF AIRLINE

CHAPTER ONE/INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

The world is in a dispensation of great change and working in an Information Age, where managers have to assimilate masses of data, convert that data into information, form conclusions about that information for planning and making decisions leading to the achievement of business objectives. The place of information in an organization sense is complex. Information is very crucial for effective running of all organization. It is a basic and important resource needed to develop other resources in any thriving organization. Information is data that have been processed into meaningful and perceivable form for use by administrators and managers in planning and decision-making. In the same vein Eyitayo et a ( 2006) said information is data which has been processed in such a way as to be meaningful and useful to the person who receives it. Uhegbu (2001), held the view that information is a conveyor of knowledge, a change agent, a reinforcement of ideas and opinion.

The development and use of MIS is a modern phenomenon concerned with the use of appropriate information that will lead to a better decision making and organizational planning, hence better results Ali et a ( 2011). A manager‟s effectiveness is largely dependent on the existence and use of information system such as a management information system. Management information system gathers, process, store and disseminate relevant information to the appropriate levels of management to support their planning and decision making. O‟Brien (2003) reported that information supports every aspect of business activities and therefore provides organizations with knowledge to support their decision making responsibilities. Adebayo (2007) is of the opinion that if the relevant information required in a decision making process or an organizational planning is not available at the appropriate time then, there is a good chance to be a poor organizational planning, inappropriate decision making, poor priority of needs and defective programming of activities.

Management information system is an ever evolving and a useful integrated user-machine for providing information, supporting operations, management, analysis and decision making functions by utilizing computer hardware, software models and database. MIS is basically concerned with processing data into information which is then communicated to the various departments, in an organization for appropriate decision making. MIS provides several benefits to organizations some of which are: it provides effective and efficient means of coordination between departments, quick access to relevant data and documents; use of less labour; quick and reliable referencing; management of day-to-day operations and day-to-day assistance in a department and improvement in organizational and departmental techniques.

Various organizations have chosen to apply this system to their organizations. Management information systems have become a major function area of business administration. According to Heven et al ( 2004), information systems nowadays play a vital role in the e-business and e-commerce operations, enterprise and management and strategic success of the business. Despite the role MIS play in organization, some organization up till date still find it difficult to break even as a result of series of barrier

MIS is applied on different levels in the aviation industry. [21] On of them is the management  of security details. MIS manage and share all of the data that is collected in the several security  screenings in the airport. This begins at the airport entry points, where passengers are screened  by a system for weapons and narcotic substances. Security in the passage loungers is managed by a system as well. Airport staff is given a security pass that will give them access to restricted  places. All the passes in the airports are managed by an MIS.

MIS are also used in the management of emergencies. In case of an aircraft is experiencing  navigation problems, the systems are used to direct, control and help the pilot land the vessel  safely. In case of an accident, the air traffic officers and the MIS have a big responsibility in  search and rescue of the victims. The information systems are also used to contain other  airplanes to give room for a vessel in distress to land.

Last but not least, MIS is also applied in the industry to help train personnel. Information systems contain guides that the tutors can follow in training. New staff also have to be trained  in order to use the systems. Training of pilots is partly done in a simulator, which is based on  information systems to simulate real-life conditions.

Statement of Problem

 

Barriers pose serious problems to organizations as they rely on their employees to adapt to changes that will improve staff performance and productivity, however, the adaptation is usually slow, often difficult and sometimes even unsuccessful.

Management effectiveness is largely dependent on the existence and use of information for planning and decision making in an organization, therefore if the relevant information required in a decision making process or an organizational planning is not available at the appropriate time then, there is a good chance to be a poor organizational planning, inappropriate decision making, poor priority of needs and defective programming or scheduling of activities. The development and use of MIS in the modern organization became necessary as an efficient information management system creates, processes, and disseminates information that is critical to organizational performance. It ensures that information is available to the managers and other users in the form they want it and when they need it. This is why timely information is particularly central to effective decision making in an organization. Similarly, Reedy et al (2009), reported that information system is the mechanism to ensure that information is available to the managers in the form they want it and when they need it.

Despite the roles MIS play in supporting managers in information provision for an improved planning and decision making function, the level of awareness and use of this system by management of Air peace Airline appears to be very minimal. Preliminary investigation by the researcher revealed that information generation, process, storage and dissemination are carried out majorly through manual system. This made the researcher to ponder whether it is as a result of poor utilization of the management information system which leads to delay in information accessibility?.

 

It is against this backdrop that this study is being undertaken to determine the use of MIS in Air peace Airline, to identify the barriers to the use of MIS, to determine the impact of the use of MIS on the management work processes and to determine the extent of management reliance on MIS for their information needs.

Research Questions

For the purpose of this study, the following questions are set:

IMPACT OF COVID19 PANDEMIC IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA A STUDY OF BRITISH AIRLINE

Abstract

The aviation industry is of utmost importance for the economic prosperity and strategic development of many countries and it plays   an irreplaceable role in the global transportation system. One of the most prevalent and unprecedented threats to this industry is the occurrence of a pandemic, that is likely to shatter the sector and change its operations fundamentally. Starting in 2020, aviation in particular has been confronted with the devastating impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, which has evolved to a worldwide pandemic and led to a drastic reestablishment of the society’s daily  life. The pandemic has triggered a change in the previously standardized way of traveling by air. This thesis focuses on the investigation of COVID-19 implications for the aviation industry, on the strategies implemented by this sector as a response to the crisis, as well as on the intention of passengers to travel by air in pandemic times. The literature review of this thesis elaborates on the challenges that the aviation industry is facing due to the global pandemic and it discusses the restructured onboard experience including the introduced safety measures throughout the entire aviation  network.

 

ANALYSIS OF EFFICIENCY OF AIR PASSENGER SUPPORT SERVICES AT THE AIRPORTS PROVIDED BY FAAN: A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS AIRPORTS

CHAPTER ONE/INTRODUCTION

Background Of The Study

Passengers leaving on a trip normally want to spend as little time as possible in the terminal. They want to have baggage carts readily available, a fast check-in, and little time waiting before and quick boarding prior to a timely departure. Passengers do not appreciate long line-ups, repetitive security checks, crowded departure areas, line-ups for boarding and a delayed departure. The rise in terrorist activity requires more stringent security measure. Passengers’ identity must be verified, luggage must be x-rayed, metal detectors and other security techniques must be used. As a result, passengers must arrive early at the terminal hours before departure, line up at the security checkpoint, and show their boarding passes and passport numerous times and wait while luggage is matched with boarded passengers. Thomas Kolawole OJO 2014

Statistics have shown that from the beginning of the Millennium 2000, there had been an increase in air transportation in Nigeria. This is in the areas of number of departing/arriving passengers, loaded freight, and arriving aircraft.

From 2005 to 2007,the aviation industry witness some growth which the result that by 2008 passenger movement increased by 21 per cent, cargo movement rose by 744.6 per cent and aircraft movement increased by 2.3 per cent(Olalerin,2009).In first quarter of 2009,the Global Economic Recession affects aircraft movement, but later in 2009/2010,traffic figures shows a 17.2 per cent growth, aircraft traffic figures showed a 12.3 per cent growth(Nnodim,2010).This reasonable growth in the aviation industry have a positive impact on the economy.

After the liquidation of Nigerian Airways Virgin Nigeria Airways (now Air Nigeria) is the new airline for Nigeria. The airlines inaugural flight was on 28 June, 2005 from Lagos to London Heathrow using an Airbus A340-300 aircraft. Virgin Nigeria has since gone on to become one of Nigeria’s largest airlines carrying one million (1,000,000 ) passengers and four thousand (4,000) ton of freight within two years of operation (Wikipedia, 2011).

Besides Air Nigeria, there are private domestic airlines that operate on mainly domestic routes within the country. Some of these include Aero Contractor, ADC Airline, Belliview Chanchangi, Capital Airlines, Allied Air, Kabo Air, IRS Airlines, Okada, Sosoliso, Dornier Aviation Nigeria etc. However, these domestic air lines engaged in frequent flight cancellations and delays.

This has resulted in dwindling confidence of passengers on the airlines. Even Air Nigeria has of recent been facing criticisms from both its customers and the government agencies, due to incessant air and ground returns, as well as flight delays (Aduge-Ani, 2007).

In October and December, 2005 there were plane crashes involving Bellview and Sosoliso airlines. These air disasters forced the government to overhaul safety and operating standards which has improved air transportation. Presently there are eight (8) International Airports at Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, Kano, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt and Sokoto. Inspite of the status of these airports they can be closed down to the dismay of passengers. For example, the Port Harcourt International ground returns, as well as flight delays (Aduge-Ani, 2007).

In October and December, 2005 there were plane crashes involving Bellview and Sosoliso airlines. These air disasters forced the government to overhaul safety and operating standards which has improved air transportation. Presently there are eight (8) International Airports at Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, Kano, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt and Sokoto. Inspite of the status of these airports they can be closed down to the dismay of passengers.

Three basic facilities are needed for air transportation and they are: the network, terminal facilities and the carrier. Airports are more than places where trips for air passengers and goods start or stop. They also provide a location for the concentration, the dispersion, the shipment and vehicular services. Airports also act as the interchange or interface between road and transport modes. (JORIND 10 (2), June, 2012)

Statement of the Problem

Passenger support services are limited to available resources. Complaints are handled when the customer fulfills his/her obligations and provide correct and complete documents where necessary. Service failures are addressed in conjunction with stakeholders if FAAN is officially invited or notified. Grievances are handled only when proven to be genuine and complaints obey the rules and regulations guiding the operations at the airports and provisions of other services.

One of the main challenges is that Services rendered are limited to available resources.

Complaints are handled when the customer fulfills his/her obligations and provide correct and complete documents where necessary.

Service failures are addressed in conjunction with stakeholders if FAAN is officially invited or notified.

Grievances are handled only when proven to be genuine and complaints obey the rules and regulations guiding the operations at the airports and provisions of other services.

Research Questions

1. Do the socio-economic characteristics of passengers affect their travel habit?
2. Does Federal airport authority of Nigeria offer air passenger support services?
3. Do FAAN services satisfy the passengers receiving these services?

Aim and Objective

This research is aimed at analyzing the efficiency support services offered to air passengers by Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria. The quality and quantity at which these services are being rendered will therefore be analyzed as it relate to passenger in flight in Lagos airports.

This research is said to examine the services Federal airport authority of Nigeria offer air transport passengers. It will also elucidate the efficiency of an airport services relate to passengers in Lagos Airports (Muritala Mohammed Airport)

Objectives will be to

• Discover the demographic characteristics of passenger traveling through lagos airport
• State the services offered by FAAN at Airports as it is directly related to passengers
• Discover how well these services satisfy the passengers

Research Hypothesis

• FAAN does not offer any services at airport
• There is no passenger support services offered by FAAN at Lagos airport

Scope of the Study

This research of analysis of efficiency of passenger support services is done by picking samples out of the entire population of passengers using the Lagos airports. The sample is picked randomly from Murtala mohammed international Airport, Muritala Mohammed Airport 2 and the GAT (local terminal) to ensure that the full representation of the passengers benefiting from the support services offered by Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.

Definition of Terms

Airport Service

Passenger Service Systems

A PSS (“Passenger Service Systems”), is a series of critical systems used by airlines. The PSS usually comprises an Airline Reservation System, an Airline Inventory System and a Departure Control System (DCS).

Generally the PSS is made up of modules that are used to manage different parts of the airline’s business.

Airline Reservations System

An airline reservation system (ARS) is part of the so-called passenger service systems (PSS), which are applications supporting the direct contact with the passenger.The Airline Reservation System is the system that allows an airline to sell their inventory (seats). It contains information on schedules and fares and contains a database of reservations (or Passenger Name Records) and of tickets issued (if applicable).

ARS eventually evolved into the computer reservations system (CRS). A computer reservation system is used for the reservations of a particular airline and interfaces with a global distribution system (GDS) which supports travel agencies and other distribution channels in making reservations for most major airlines in a single system.

Airline reservations systems contain airline schedules, fare tariffs, passenger reservations and ticket records. An airline’s direct distribution works within their own reservation system, as well as pushing out information to the GDS. A second type of direct distribution channel is consumers who use the internet or mobile applications to make their own reservations. Travel agencies and other indirect distribution channels access the same GDS as those accessed by the airlines’ reservation systems, and all messaging is transmitted by a standardized messaging system that functions on two types of messaging that transmit on SITA’s HLN [high level network]. These message types are called Type A [usually EDIFACT format] for real time interactive communication and Type B [TTY] for informational and booking type of messages. Message construction standards set by IATA and ICAO, are global, and apply to more than air transportation. Since airline reservation systems are business critical applications, and their functionally quite complex, the operation of an in-house airline reservation system is relatively expensive. Reservation systems like Navitaire hosts “ticket-less” airlines such as Ryanair and AirAsia and “hybrid” – (airlines that use e-ticketing in addition to ticket-less to accommodate code-shares and interlines) airlines such as AirTran, GOL and Jetstar.

In additional to these “standardized” GDS, some airlines have proprietary versions which they use to run their flight operations. A few examples are Deltamatic’s OSS system and EDS SHARES. SITA Reservations remains the largest neutral multi-host airline reservations system, with over 100 airlines currently managing inventory.

Airline Inventory System

The Airline Inventory System may or may not be integrated with the Reservation System. The system contains all the airline’s flights and the available seats. The main function of the Inventory System is to define how many seats are available on a particular flight by opening or closing an individual booking class in accordance with rules defined by the airline.

Departure Control System

The Departure Control System is the system used by airlines and airports to check-in a passenger. The DCS is connected to the Reservation System enabling it to check who has a valid reservation on a flight. The DCS is used to enter information required by customs or border security-agencies and to issue the boarding document. In addition the DCS may also be used to dispatch cargo and to optimize aircraft weight and balance.

A Departure Control System (DCS) automates processing an Airlines’ Airport management operation. This includes managing the information required for Airport Check-in and printing Boarding card, baggage acceptance, boarding, load control and aircraft checks.